3 March 2008 - Iran / Non proliferation : Interview by France 24 of Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, following the adoption of resolution 1803

(Ambassador, can you tell us what’s in this resolution, what are the concrete new elements ? Why did you feel it was necessary to have a new sanction resolution on Iran ?)

First of all, I would like to emphasize the very large majority with which this resolution has been adopted.

We welcome that result, not only because it signals the strong support of the international community and the Security Council to our approach but also because France was very active in promoting unanimity or at least a very large degree of support. President Sarkozy was very active those last days and weeks and had consultations with a number of his counterparts from Member States of the Security Council. We really welcome this outcome.

The measures in the resolution that the Security Council adopted are the result of the situation which is that Iran has not met his international obligations. The IAEA report signalled very strong remaining concerns about the nature of the Iranian nuclear program, about the scope of that program. Iran has not suspended enrichment of uranium, Iran has not implemented the additional protocol of the IAEA, they have not allowed systematic and full inspection of this program. Therefore, we had no choice but to submit a new resolution with additional measures.

Now you asked me about the content of the resolution….

(Let me rephrase the question. You said earlier that it was a rather modest resolution in terms of new sanctions. Why do you think it would work ?)

It is not a modest resolution but yes, the sanctions themselves are a modest increment to what has been previously adopted by the Security Council. But this measures are none the less significant. You have a call to vigilance on the financials relations with Iran, you have a travel ban for some individuals who are believed are actively involved in the Iranian nuclear program, you have a call to inspection of cargo when countries have reasons to believe that those cargo might be related to prohibited goods.

We have a number of measures that will not only further hamper the development of the Iranian nuclear program but will also send a signal to all economic actors and others that relationship with Iran are not in normality anymore. Therefore they have to think seriously before engaging with Iran. So I think this is a very strong and very important signal. And we hope, Iran will listen to the message sent by the Council.

(Just a quick question about the diplomatic process, How difficult was it to get the Russians and the Chinese on board and then the last four members of the Council which were sceptical last Friday ?)

I think we had a negotiation process no different from any other negotiation process when the issue at stake is so important. We took our time because to discuss first of all with our Russian and Chinese partners and we also took as much time as needed to talk with the other members of the Security Council. I think they recognized that we engaged in a very detailed substantial dialogue with them. I think that was the way to do it and the result is there today : we have this strong support in the Council./.